Document types
Certificate of no impedimentApostille basics
Also called: single status certificate, certificate of freedom to marry, certificate of celibacy, letter of no impediment.
The document
What it is
A certificate stating that nothing in the records prevents a person from marrying, often asked for when marrying abroad.
Usually issued by: Usually the civil registry or population register; in some countries a sworn statement before a notary is used instead.
The rule
Can it get an apostille?
Yes. It comes from an authority, so it is a public document under Article 1 of the Apostille Convention. The apostille is issued in the country that issued the certificate of no impediment.
Article 1 of the Apostille Convention (Hague Conference on Private International Law) lists the public documents it covers: court documents, administrative documents, notarial acts and certificates that an authority places on private documents.
Step by step
How to get an apostille for a certificate of no impediment
- Get the original, or a certified extract, from the office that issued it.
- Apply for the apostille in the same country, at the office that country has designated for this kind of document.
- Check with the office that will receive it whether it also needs a translation.
The office, fee and steps differ by country. Open the guide for the country that issued the document, or check two countries to see whether an apostille works where you need it.
Note: Good to know
- These certificates are often only valid for a few months, so time the apostille close to the wedding date.
Country guides
Offices that list this document
The apostille office in these countries names this kind of document on its own website. Each guide shows the office, fee and steps.
Questions
Questions about a certificate of no impediment
What is a certificate of no impediment?
A certificate stating that nothing in the records prevents a person from marrying, often asked for when marrying abroad.
Can a certificate of no impediment get an apostille?
Yes. It comes from an authority, so it is a public document under Article 1 of the Apostille Convention. The apostille is issued in the country that issued the certificate of no impediment.
How do I get an apostille for a certificate of no impediment?
Get the original, or a certified extract, from the office that issued it. Apply for the apostille in the same country, at the office that country has designated for this kind of document. Check with the office that will receive it whether it also needs a translation.
What does the apostille confirm?
An apostille only confirms the signature, the role of the person who signed and any seal or stamp on the document. It does not confirm what the document says. The office that receives the document decides what it accepts.
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